The Municipality is pleased to announce that Jeff Ogden has been selected as Fire Chief and Jason Williams has been hired as Director, Protective Services. Both positions to commence on August 29, 2022.
“We congratulate Jeff on his professional advancement to Fire Chief and are delighted to welcome Jason to the Municipality,” notes CAO David Smith. “Both individuals bring strong leadership and expertise to their roles, with a wealth of municipal experience and dedication to ongoing education and training. We look forward to working alongside both later this summer.”
Previously, the Director and Fire Chief positions were combined under one employee portfolio at the Municipality. A recent organizational structure change has split this position to create a dedicated Fire Chief of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services, which is a division of the Protective Services Department. Protective Services also includes the Building and Municipal Law Enforcement Divisions, and the portfolio also assumes responsibility of Emergency Management for the Municipality.
Mr. Ogden was named Deputy Fire Chief for the Municipality in January 2021 and was recently working as the Acting Fire Chief during this transition time. He has been a member of a municipal fire service since 1995 and has held the positions of Captain, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention, Training Officer, Interim Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. Mr. Ogden has completed the Dalhousie Fire Service Leadership Certificate, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention and Inspection and Community Emergency Management Certification, amongst many other fire service training programs.
“I look forward to continuing working in the Municipality of Port Hope in my new role of Fire Chief,” notes Acting Fire Chief Ogden. “We have a solid team here in our administration office, from the ranks of our District Chiefs down to our newest recruits, and I am pleased to be a part of it. With a Fire Master Plan released earlier this year, mandatory certification, and a new fire station on the horizon our team will be busy, while keeping residents and visitors of the Municipality safe. I am also looking forward to a continued collaboration with our community partners Port Hope Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Northumberland County Paramedics, surrounding Fire Departments and our Mutual Aid partners.”
Mr. Williams is new to the Municipality and holds a Bachelor of Fire Science Degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Additionally, he has obtained certifications from both Humber College and Seneca College in the field of Fire Services. Throughout his career, he has continued with professional development including obtaining certifications in Fire Prevention and Investigation, Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator, Certified Municipal Manager III, Certified Trainer, and others.
His extensive professional teaching experience at the Ontario Fire College, Seneca College, and the Ontario Ministry of Labour along with his experience at the Fire Marshall’s office with Municipal fire services will be an asset to the Protective Services Department.
“I would like to thank the Mayor, Council and CAO for being given this opportunity to lead the Protective Services department of the Municipality of Port Hope,” notes Jason Williams. “As a local resident of the area, I look forward to this exciting opportunity, and the chance to work with the dedicated staff of the Fire and Emergency Service, By-Law and Building divisions. I believe that in my role it is of the upmost importance to ensure that staff are provided with not only support but also the tools they need to effectively fulfill their roles. As the Director of Protective Services, I look forward to working closely with Fire Chief Jeff Ogden, Chief Building Official Steve White, and the staff of the division.”
Author: Pete Fisher
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